Fishing Tips For Beginners
One of the most relaxing ways to spend time out on the water is by fishing. This pastime has become more popular as a hobby over the past several decades, and boat designs have been created to make it more enjoyable and productive. Whether you like to practice catch-and-release or you’re looking for something delicious to throw on the grill, fishing is extremely rewarding.
Those of you who are new to the sport may not know how to get the most out of your fishing trips, but we’re here to help! H&W Marine, located in Shreveport, is your Louisiana marine dealer. We’ve drawn up our best tips for all of you novice anglers out there who want to get better at your newfound hobby.
Pack Your Boat
You’ll want to make sure your boat is well-stocked with everything you need for a successful fishing venture. This includes your rods and tackle box, but it also means bringing a knife, a net, a first-aid kit, a cooler of snacks and drinks and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Use the storage compartments on your boat to keep everything safe and out of the way so no one trips on anything. Don’t forget to bring signal flares, an emergency hand-crank radio, a laminated chart of the area, your fish finder, a GPS unit and your phone with its charger.
Purchase Bait
Obtaining the correct bait for the fish you want to catch is an important component of your ultimate success when fishing. Different fish seek out different types of bait, but all fish prefer live bait that is as close to their normal food as possible. Talk to the bait shop proprietor to figure out what you should buy. Handle your bait with clean hands or gloves so that you don’t impart an off-putting scent on it. Fish have a good sense of smell and will avoid something that smells off to them.
Dress The Part
Wearing the correct gear will help you to stay more comfortable while you fish. Tall wading boots are ideal for shallow-water fishing, and waterproof boots are good in general. Make sure they have good tread to prevent slipping.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will protect you from sun damage and reduce glare on the water that can temporarily blind you. Sunscreen is important so apply it to all exposed skin. You may also wish to bring bug repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other pests.
You can otherwise dress however feels most comfortable, but loose clothing isn’t as ideal since it could catch on something. Make sure you’re wearing a life jacket of some kind at all times, too! Waterproof gear like a poncho will come in handy on drizzly days, and layers are practical in cold weather. Remember that the temperatures out in the middle of the lake will be cooler than they are onshore, so you could be chilly on a hot day if you’re out in the water.
Check The Weather
A final crucial step in preparing for any fishing outing, whether it’s an overnight adventure or a simple afternoon on the lake, is to make sure the weather isn’t going to turn bad. Check the forecast for your chosen day in advance and on the morning of departure. Storms can always swell up and you’ll want to be particularly on your guard while fishing in the Gulf during hurricane season.
If the weather forecast displays high winds, heavy rains, lightning, hail, snow or below-freezing temperatures, it’s wise to reschedule your trip for better weather. Many small fishing boats aren’t capable of handling the heavy chop of a roiling ocean, so staying onshore is best if conditions look grim.
These tips should get you off on the right foot when it comes to fishing from a boat. Still in search of the perfect craft? Visit our dealership in Shreveport to check out our available stock of new and used fishing boats for sale. We have a financing department to assist you in getting the boat you want! H&W Marine proudly serves the cities of Longview, Texas, and Bossier City, Louisiana.